Chennai: The CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI), Chennai, has inaugurated the CoE Design Studio for Footwear and Leather at its Shoe and Product Design and Development Centre (SPDDC), strengthening design and product development capabilities for India’s footwear and leather sector.
The Centre of Excellence – CoE Design Studio for Footwear and Leather was inaugurated at CSIR-CLRI in the presence of senior government officials and representatives from the leather and footwear industry.
Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), graced the event as Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, Bhatia underscored the importance of material innovation, indigenous design expertise and global branding in enhancing India’s leather export competitiveness under Viksit Bharat @2047.
Bhatia also recommended structured international exposure for designers and urged that the CoE Design Studio for Footwear and Leather be made accessible to MSME units.
The initiative is aimed at supporting the sector through greater access to design capabilities and expertise.
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR, commended CSIR-CLRI for its contributions in areas including waste management, Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems, vegan materials and musical instrument leather.
The inauguration of the CoE Design Studio for Footwear and Leather was also accompanied by the release of several publications and technology-related initiatives.
The event featured the release of the CSIR-CLRI Annual Report 2024–2025, the Shoe Factory Handbook and the updated CSIR-CLRI Technology Compendium 2026.
Technology transfer agreements for musical instrument leather processing were also exchanged with folklore organizations during the event.
The gathering was attended by Guests of Honour Padma Shri Dr. M. Rafeeque Ahmed, President, All India Skin and Hide Tanners and Merchants Association (AISHTMA), and M. Abdul Wahab, Regional Chairman (South), Council for Leather Exports.
The CoE Design Studio for Footwear and Leather comes as part of CSIR-CLRI’s broader work in supporting innovation, design, technology development and the competitiveness of India’s footwear and leather sector.
